Abstract This specification discloses a method and apparatus for controlling flow of a multiphase fluid stream from a partially depleting supply source such as a pumping oil well so that the flow rate of the liquid phase thereof is maintained substantially constant. Where said source is an oil well, the multiphase fluid is pumped from the well into a separator where it is separated into its liquid and gas phases. A constant volume pump withdraws liquid from the separator at a set flow rate. A conduit connects the separator back to the well and has a valve therein which is controlled by the liquid level in the separator whereby a portion of the liquid in the separator can be returned to the well to maintain sufficient fluid in the well for the well pump to operate at its capacity.
Inventors
👤 Edwin E Glenn Jr
👤 Vasel R Slover
👤 Malcolm K Strubhar
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-08 15:57
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/34; E21B43/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of testing a pumping oil well by producing liquid therefrom at a constant rate, the steps comprising: pumping produced fluids from the well to a point positioned from said well; separating said fluids at said point into liquid and gas phases; withdrawing a first portion of said liquid phase from said point at said constant rate; and returning a second portion of said liquid phase from said point to said well.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of testing a pumping oil well by producing liquid therefrom at a constant rate, the steps comprising: pumping produced fluids from the well to a point positioned from said well; separating said fluids at said point into liquid and gas phases; withdrawing a first portion of said liquid phase from said point at said constant rate; and returning a second portion of said liquid phase from said point to said well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: said second portion of said liquid phase is returned from said point to said well by gravity flow.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: said second portion of said liquid phase is pumped from said point to said well.